Description
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are colourful, upright flowering plants highly valued for their vibrant spikes of dragon-shaped blooms, which bring vertical interest and pollinator support to gardens. Native to the Mediterranean region, snapdragons grow best in full sun to part shade, preferring well-drained, fertile soils. In many parts of Australia, they are grown as cool-season annuals or short-lived perennials, depending on climate.
Snapdragons are highly attractive to bees, particularly native bees, which prise open the “mouth” of the flower to reach the nectar — providing important ecosystem services in home gardens and food-producing landscapes. They are also deer-resistant and make excellent cut flowers for floral arrangements.
While snapdragons are primarily cultivated for their ornamental value, their flowers are technically edible, though they are often described as having a slightly bitter flavour. The petals can be used sparingly as a garnish for salads, cakes, or desserts, adding a splash of colour, though their taste is more decorative than culinary. Anecdotal use in traditional medicine includes minor applications for skin soothing and anti-inflammatory purposes, but there is little modern scientific backing for these claims.
In permaculture gardens, snapdragons can serve as seasonal biodiversity boosters, pollinator attractors, and natural pest deterrents when interplanted with crops, helping to create vibrant, resilient ecosystems.
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